When it comes to moving the snowboard world forward, innovation is crucial. Building snowboards has come a long way over the last 30+ years, from changing the materials used, to updating the shape and flex. R.I.P. Edge-Hold Technology, which stands for “Rules Ice to Powder,” represents a significant leap forward in snowboard technology.
The Evolution of Snowboard Profiles and the Creation of R.I.P. Edge Hold Technology
As snowboard technology has evolved, gone are the days when riders had to choose between a camber board for pop and edge control, or a rocker board for float and forgiveness. The introduction of hybrid profiles has changed the game, blending the best of both worlds to offer enhanced versatility across all terrains– from icy groomers to deep powder.
At Never Summer, we pride ourselves on always looking to innovate and improve snowboard technology; the Original Rocker Camber profile was innovated and first patented by Never Summer in 2008. Since then, we’ve continued to lead the snowboard innovation revolution with our cutting-edge Hybrid Triple Camber and Recurve Traditional Camber profiles. These profiles push the boundaries of snowboard technology, delivering unparalleled edge control, stability, and responsiveness that cater to a wide range of riding styles and skill levels.
What these profiles offer goes beyond the overall shape of the snowboard, they also play a huge part in creating R.I.P. Edge Hold Technology by providing additional high-pressure contact areas and keeping the edge hold on the correct plane. In order for edge hold technology to be effective, it needs to stem from the profile itself, and not from disruption of the actual edge of the snowboard.
Edge-Hold Technology on the Correct Plane
Unlike traditional edge-hold systems that rely on serrated edges to grip the snow, R.I.P. Technology is edge-hold technology on the correct plane, utilizing the wave-like contours created by the base profile. Because of this, our Hybrid Triple Camber and Recurve Traditional Camber profiles actually create the R.I.P. Edge Hold Technology. The base contours coming from the added camber zones create multiple high-pressure contact points along the edge of the board, providing superior grip and stability without the added drag associated with other edge technologies. Plus, unlike serrated or bumpy edge technologies, our sidecuts are easy to tune and detune when needed.
To reiterate, Never Summer’s Hybrid Triple Camber and Recurve Traditional Camber profiles become the edge hold technology, and the edge hold stems directly from the profile of the board. The Hybrid Triple Camber profile introduces additional camber and rocker areas, adding high-contact pressure zones between the bindings. This delivers unprecedented edge hold and stability in challenging conditions like ice or variable snow, while maintaining the ease of turning, powder floatation, and surfy feel of a Hybrid profile. Recurve Traditional Camber uniquely combines the recognizable pop, performance, and predictable feel of a traditional camber snowboard with less drag. The Recurve Traditional Camber has similar, additional (though less pronounced) high-pressure contact areas between the bindings, so that when you’re riding you get the overall feel of a camber board, but vice-like hold when you are engaging your edges– offering a powerful, responsive ride that excels in all terrains. There’s a good reason that both Olympic Big Air and Slopestyle rider, Chris Corning, and US Halfpipe Team Rider, Chase Blackwell, choose to ride Recurve Traditional Camber profiles.
The Advantages of R.I.P. Edge-Hold Technology
The combination of R.I.P. Edge-Hold Technology with either Hybrid Triple Camber or Recurve Traditional Camber profiles offers snowboarders a range of benefits that elevate their riding experience. The most significant advantage is the enhanced edge control; allowing riders to carve with greater precision on hard-packed snow or East Coast ice. To prove this, we actually tested our R.I.P. Edge Hold Technology in the iciest condition we could think of – a frozen lake. This technology provides the grip needed to stay confident and trust your snowboard in the toughest conditions, even at high speeds.
In addition to improved edge control, both the Hybrid Triple Camber and Recurve Traditional Camber profiles reduce drag and increase speed by lifting the base off the snow in three purposeful areas. This minimizes friction between the board and the snow, distributing pressure over multiple sections while maintaining a smooth effective edge. This design ensures a smoother, faster ride, whether you’re maintaining speed on flat sections or navigating technical terrain. The Recurve Traditional Camber profile, with its dynamic camber zones, adds extra pop and responsiveness, making it ideal for both aggressive carving and playful all-mountain riding.
Both profiles are designed to enhance the riding experience, offering the perfect balance of stability and flexibility. With these profiles available in several different models, there is a flex, shape, and carbon fiber layup that suits almost every rider’s desires. Freestyle riders will gravitate towards the more soft, playful Hybrid Triple Camber boards like the Easy Rider or Breezy rider; those hitting the big jump line and larger features will be right at home with the powerful Recurve Traditional Camber Proto Ultra. Freeride enthusiasts will favor the more aggressive, hard-charging Hybrid Triple Camber boards like the Proto FR, Valhalla, or Lady FR; and powder hounds and all-mountain riders alike are going to love the surfy yet stable feel of the Hybrid Triple Camber Nokhu or V-Twin, or the Recurve Traditional Camber Cougar.
With the variations in board styles and flexes offered with R.I.P. Edge Hold Technology, anyone can experience a snowboard they love with the performance, increased edge-hold, and stability that will take it up a notch.
R.I.P. Edge-Hold Technology’s Impact on Different Riding Styles
The integration of R.I.P. Edge Hold Technology with these innovative profiles has a profound impact on various riding styles. For freeride enthusiasts, the enhanced stability and control allow for confident carves on steep, icy chutes. Freestyle riders will benefit from the increased pop stability, making it easier to stomp tricks and maintain control during landings in the park. Plus, because R.I.P. Edge Hold Technology stems from the board profile, it’s not grabby on rails and won’t hold you back from hitting metal in any direction.
All-mountain riders will find that the combination of R.I.P. Technology with Hybrid Triple Camber or Recurve Traditional Camber offers the perfect balance of performance and playfulness. These boards glide effortlessly over varied terrain, transitioning smoothly from groomed runs to off-piste adventures, making them versatile choices for riders who want a board that can do it all. The R.I.P. Edge Hold Technology is also easier for beginners to handle, making it less difficult to track straight while getting off the lift and riding cat tracks, and allowing riders to trust the edge without feeling catchy.
Never Summer’s R.I.P. Edge-Hold Technology, combined with the Hybrid Triple Camber and Recurve Traditional Camber profiles, represents a significant leap forward in snowboard technology. These innovations provide unmatched edge control, stability, and responsiveness, whether you’re carving hardpack, floating through powder, or hitting park features. With these technologies under your feet, you can ride with confidence and style, no matter what the mountain throws your way.
